Sound Comparison: Labella LT Flats vs TI Jazz Flats - Which do you prefer?

[fourstringdrums]

Since she has FAR, FAR MORE credibility than I'll ever have as a bassist, I've always followed her recommendation. Especially since I started playing the bass in 1965 and prefer the 60's type of sound.

Thomastik Jazz Flatwound Bass Strings... "The Rolls Royce of all strings for that vital 1960s powerful sound with great feel." - Carol Kaye

Oh I didn't know she played TI's.

 

[CapnSev]

you should not reveal which clip is which string. this will eliminate bias opinions based on preconceptions

I feel like they are so distinctly different in this case. I could pick out one from the other super easy in these clips I think.

 

[quickfix]

There are days I've come close to ordering a set of TI flats out of curiosity. But, every time I hear a TI flats demo I lose my GAS for them. This demo is no different.
Anemic sounding compared to other bass strings.

 

[CapnSev]

There are days I've come close to ordering a set of TI flats out of curiosity. But, every time I hear a TI flats demo I lose my GAS for them. This demo is no different.
Anemic sounding compared to other bass strings.

I actually agree to a point. They aren’t an amazing bedroom tone (although I’ve grown quite fond of that), but I can always count on them shining through in a mix every time. That midsy boxiness really sticks out and gives you a lot to work with. They never let me down.

These strings are clearly brand new by the clip. They will settle and get much better.

 

[Member8675309]

I like both TI & LaBella far more than Chromes. Both brands are the cream of the crop of the bass string, Flatwound world.

 

[ale29]

There are days I've come close to ordering a set of TI flats out of curiosity. But, every time I hear a TI flats demo I lose my GAS for them. This demo is no different.
Anemic sounding compared to other bass strings.

I feel that these are a more faithful representation of how they sound when broken in (while most demos on youtube are done with fresh strings, and TI are particularly clanky at first in my experience)

 

[Acoop]

I use both brands on different old p basses and never there was that much difference. I'd say TI's for your style of playing with that bass.

 

[GIBrat51]

I do like the sound clips of broken-in TI'sthat I've heard; and, like quickfix, I've toyed with ordering a set (still am, kinda), but... I like stiff strings - and I like to play them with a pick. The TI's being described as being everything from "Very flexible to "rubbery" to "limp spaghetti" is not exactly what I'm looking for... One of these days, maybe; but for now, I'll keep my money in my pocket...

 

[noahw1]

TI Jazz flats for me. More definition to me.

 

[jeff62]

Foul! Everyone knows that the LaBella Deep Talkin Flats would crush both contenders.

 

[40Hz]

I’m one of those people who believes there’s an ideal string set for every bass out there.

I’ve used both LaBellas and TIs. I like them both.

I preferred the sound you were getting with the LaBellas better than the TIs with that bass and the way you were playing it.

 

[ZenG]

The TI's being described as being everything from "Very flexible to "rubbery" to "limp spaghetti" is not exactly what I'm looking for... One of these days, maybe; but for now, I'll keep my money in my pocket...

This is basically what's holding me back too..

I have used Lab LTF's before. Silky smooth to play, not "rubbery" or "limp spaghetti".

An above poster mentioned that the TI's aren't exactly great bedroom tone. Listening to the OP's sound clip I thought the TI's were in fact exactly that. Lovely "bedroom tone".
I'm personally not looking for bedroom tone but I do like a good 'upright' emulation at times.

 

[shoulderpet]

I think you need to give the TIs a bit longer, i remember mine took about a month before they started sounding good

 

[shoulderpet]

Oh I didn't know she played TI's.

Yep Carol Kaye and Pino Palladino both use TIs

 

[ljazz]

I do like the sound clips of broken-in TI'sthat I've heard; and, like quickfix, I've toyed with ordering a set (still am, kinda), but... I like stiff strings - and I like to play them with a pick. The TI's being described as being everything from "Very flexible to "rubbery" to "limp spaghetti" is not exactly what I'm looking for... One of these days, maybe; but for now, I'll keep my money in my pocket...

This is basically what's holding me back too..

I have used Lab LTF's before. Silky smooth to play, not "rubbery" or "limp spaghetti".

An above poster mentioned that the TI's aren't exactly great bedroom tone. Listening to the OP's sound clip I thought the TI's were in fact exactly that. Lovely "bedroom tone".
I'm personally not looking for bedroom tone but I do like a good 'upright' emulation at times.

Sadowsky Blue Label Flats...... They have the singing mids like the TIJF's, but are hex core, so a bit stiffer. I play the lite gauge. Tension is a tad higher, requiring just under an eighth turn of the truss rod (and action still ended up a bit lower).... But they won't fart or fret out when you dig in.

The tone from both string sets in the clips indicate they are fairly new. My TIJF's sound nothing like the clip..... Although they did for the first few weeks.

 

[Pantone 333]

For me, I prefer the Labella sound clip. Classic Carol Kaye sound. My Precision is strung with Tis though, as I feel they are way more comfortable to play.

 

[Pantone 333]

Yep Carol Kaye and Pino Palladino both use TIs

True, but in the 60s and 70s, Carol Kaye used Labella flats.

 

[shoulderpet]

Sadowsky Blue Label Flats...... They have the singing mids like the TIJF's, but are hex core, so a bit stiffer. I play the lite gauge. Tension is a tad higher, requiring just under an eighth turn of the truss rod (and action still ended up a bit lower).... But they won't fart or fret out when you dig in.

The tone from both string sets in the clips indicate they are fairly new. My TIJF's sound nothing like the clip..... Although they did for the first few weeks.

Yes would be interesting to hear those same 2 basses 3 weeks from now

 

[michael_t]

True, but in the 60s and 70s, Carol Kaye used Labella flats.

Does this mean Fender P basses came factory-equipped with La Bella flats?

From what I've read, Carol Kaye didn't bother changing strings on her basses; instead, whenever she needed new strings, she went out and bought another bass.

I've always assumed she played the Fender flats back then.

 

[Pantone 333]

Does this mean Fender P basses came factory-equipped with La Bella flats?

From what I've read, Carol Kaye didn't bother changing strings on her basses; instead, whenever she needed new strings, she went out and bought another bass.

I've always assumed she played the Fender flats back then.

You are correct. I just re-read the article. Stock Fender flats.